EVEN though she was unavailable to collect her award on the night, the Entrepreneur of the Year was celebrated.

Joanna Jenson, from Wolverton, is the founder of Childs Farm, a fast-growing company that makes toiletries for children, babies and newborns using naturally derived ingredients which are specially formulated.

Joanna’s personal assistant Heather Starke, who collected the award on her behalf, said: “She is amazing, and will be absolutely thrilled when I tell her.

“She was devastated not to be here, she really wanted to be here to see the awards.

“She has given so much to the company, she has done every job in the company at some point, from the smallest job to the top ones.”

The story behind the founding of the company is a personal one, influenced by Joanna’s family and her daughters, Mimi and Bella.

She wanted to create products for young children that could be used without irritating their skin.

Heather added: “She founded the company in 2010, after not being able to find any toiletries or skincare products for sensitive skin. So she decided to found her own company to help others in a similar position.”

The company has grown massively since then. The products are now international, with the lines of products in stores such as Boots.

Heather said: “Now, there are 40 people employed in the company, and they are constantly developing new products for people to use. The company really has grown exponentially.”

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Inchora.

Winner: Joanna Jenson of Childs Farm

Nominees: Nick Thompson of DCSL Software and Neil Rider of The Serious Sport Group